Post by goldenfist on Aug 14, 2008 14:25:37 GMT -5
Ign.com reviews Secret Invasion X-Men #1.
Secret Invasion: X-Men provides the perfect example of an enjoyable yet inconsequential excursion into the world of event tie-ins. As well written and well drawn as it is, it still doesn't convince me that it's anything more than an obligatory venture. Mike Carey's full-scale battle provides plenty of brief thrills, but nothing essential or especially unique, as the series seems headed down an entertaining yet forgettable path.
I can basically sum up the events in this issue with one simple sentence: The X-Men battle the Skrulls in San Francisco. I realize that for many readers, nothing more is required of a tie-in like this, but invoking the power of cliché for a moment, this sort of action-oriented story just isn't my cup of tea.
Of course, none of this is Carey's fault, per se. With all of the convoluted continuity issues currently plaguing the X-Universe as it stands, the author's hands are relatively tied. It's nearly impossible for him to do anything of consequence within the pages of the tie-in without stepping on the toes of not only his own book, but a bevy of other creators as well.
When it comes down to it, however, I do suppose it's important that the X-Men's role in the invasion is documented for the purpose of posterity, and if this is a necessary evil, then Carey does a great job of making it digestible. His portrayal of the fearful Skrulls coming to the realization that their recon intelligence is faulty to the Bush-ian degree, provides for a few charming moments within all the chaos. His handling of the Soul Shepard is also admirable, using the religious nature of the Skrulls to infuse a little humor into the story as well.
I hold no reservations when I confess my love for Cary Nord's artwork. His pencils have a unique flair for the epic that suit this series perfectly. Of all the Skrulls drawn over the past two months, I can't think of a single one that tops what Nord does here. The alien invaders pop off the page with a realism that strongly contrasts the cartoony approach so heavily favored by the majority of creators over Secret Invasion's short run. Nord, having worked on Daredevil in the past, has already shown he is capable of handling mainstream superhero work, but this title should squash any lingering doubts as to whether he is ready for a marquee capes and tights title (though I think his style would fit one of the cosmic-niche Marvel titles just as well). His character work is endearingly quirky, which may turn off a few readers, but for the rest of us, it provides a nice alternative to the cookie-cutter post-millennial design.
Now, before you accuse me of assigning a low score without too much malignity, I just can't justify a high rating for a book that doesn't do anything new, or even approach pertinence. Carey's script is entertaining and Nord's pencils are beautiful, so in that respect I applaud Marvel for handing the title over to capable hands, but at the same time, Secret Invasion: X-Men seems like nothing more than a routine action book without much consequence.
Review Score: 6.7 Passable
Secret Invasion: X-Men provides the perfect example of an enjoyable yet inconsequential excursion into the world of event tie-ins. As well written and well drawn as it is, it still doesn't convince me that it's anything more than an obligatory venture. Mike Carey's full-scale battle provides plenty of brief thrills, but nothing essential or especially unique, as the series seems headed down an entertaining yet forgettable path.
I can basically sum up the events in this issue with one simple sentence: The X-Men battle the Skrulls in San Francisco. I realize that for many readers, nothing more is required of a tie-in like this, but invoking the power of cliché for a moment, this sort of action-oriented story just isn't my cup of tea.
Of course, none of this is Carey's fault, per se. With all of the convoluted continuity issues currently plaguing the X-Universe as it stands, the author's hands are relatively tied. It's nearly impossible for him to do anything of consequence within the pages of the tie-in without stepping on the toes of not only his own book, but a bevy of other creators as well.
When it comes down to it, however, I do suppose it's important that the X-Men's role in the invasion is documented for the purpose of posterity, and if this is a necessary evil, then Carey does a great job of making it digestible. His portrayal of the fearful Skrulls coming to the realization that their recon intelligence is faulty to the Bush-ian degree, provides for a few charming moments within all the chaos. His handling of the Soul Shepard is also admirable, using the religious nature of the Skrulls to infuse a little humor into the story as well.
I hold no reservations when I confess my love for Cary Nord's artwork. His pencils have a unique flair for the epic that suit this series perfectly. Of all the Skrulls drawn over the past two months, I can't think of a single one that tops what Nord does here. The alien invaders pop off the page with a realism that strongly contrasts the cartoony approach so heavily favored by the majority of creators over Secret Invasion's short run. Nord, having worked on Daredevil in the past, has already shown he is capable of handling mainstream superhero work, but this title should squash any lingering doubts as to whether he is ready for a marquee capes and tights title (though I think his style would fit one of the cosmic-niche Marvel titles just as well). His character work is endearingly quirky, which may turn off a few readers, but for the rest of us, it provides a nice alternative to the cookie-cutter post-millennial design.
Now, before you accuse me of assigning a low score without too much malignity, I just can't justify a high rating for a book that doesn't do anything new, or even approach pertinence. Carey's script is entertaining and Nord's pencils are beautiful, so in that respect I applaud Marvel for handing the title over to capable hands, but at the same time, Secret Invasion: X-Men seems like nothing more than a routine action book without much consequence.
Review Score: 6.7 Passable